Structural member.



J. W. RIPLEY.

STRUCTURAL MEMBER.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 29, 190s. BLNLWLD APR. 12. 1911.

Patented Dec. 10 1912.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Il l.'

.2 Kfm? J. W. RIPLEY.

STRUCTURAL MEMBER.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 29, 1908. BENBWBD APR. I2, 1911.

STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN W. REPLE'Y, or FLUsmgNG, NEW YORK, AssIGNoR To Nolens-RIPLEY PILECOMPANY, vOE NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OE NEW YORK.

STRUCTURAL MEMBER,

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 1o, i912.,

l Application led July 29, 1,908, Serial No. 445,951. Renewed April 12,191.1. Serial No.- 620,665.

i To all lwhom. 'it may concern:

l citizen of the United States, residing at Flushing, county of Queens,and State of New York, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvementsin Structural .Members, of which the following is a specifb. cation. f

My invention relates to the construction of. structural members such aspiling and analogous columns and posts, beams and girders, plank for usein docks, bridges, trestles, buildings and other structures andstructural members in general.

An important embodiment of my invention=comprises a combination pile,that is, a pile made up of a wooden core and a wrapper of two or morelayers of metal fabric and concrete, with nails or spikes suitablydriven to hold thewrapper to the core. A pile of this general characteris set forth in my prior application filed June V2, 1908, Serial No.436,271, in which the metal fabric is covered broadly without referenceto its being in one piece or in a plurality `of pieces. The presentimprovement under the broad terms of that application, relates to aspecific form of the metal fabric, this being in a plurality ofindependent overlapping sections or zones for certain purposes whichwill hereinafter appear.

Among other important objects, my invention aims to provide a reinforcedor strengthened structural member; to provide a member which may be usedinvmarine construction without danger of attack from sea worms or otherharmful agencies, and to provide a fire proof structural member.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from thedetailed description of some of its more important embodiments, shown inthe accompanying drawings and described hereafter in detail.

yIn the drawings Figure 1. is a vertical sect-ion of a taperedcombination pile, with the taper shown exaggerated. Fig. 2 is anelevation part section of a shouldered combination pile. Fig. 3 is adetail view in vertical section showing a method of joining two of theindependent overlapping sections of reinforcing metal fabric. Fig. 4 isa transverse section through a combination pile, showinga preferredmethod of wrapping.. Fig. 5'- is 4a vertical section of acombinatlonpile -with irregularity in the wooden core.. Fig. 6 isa detailview-showings-in vertical section a modified form of fastening the outeredge of the reinforcing metal fabric. Fig. 7 is a transverse section ofa combinatlon glrder. Fig. 8 is a transverseV sectlon of a combinationbeam or plank, and Figs. 9,-10 and 1'1 are transverse tion vpiles orcolumns.V

Referring now more specifically to said drawings, 1t will bel seen fromFigs. 1 to .6

sections of -three forms of square combinainclusive, that thecombination pile com-v tions or zones, as clearly shown in the drawings,and to hold the wrapperV firmly to the pile, I drive nails or spikes 19through the first or inner layer of metal fabric and concrete, and wellinto the wooden core, preferably two rows of nails or spikes beingdriven through-the overlapping portions of adjacent sections of thefabric, as shown in Fig. 8, and one or more rows being driven throughthe intermediate portion of each independent section of the fabric. Theouter edge of each section of the metallic fabric 16 may be secured inany suitable manner as by seizing or lacing with wire 20, as shown inFig. 4, and a band of metal 21 may surround the overlapping or otherportions of the independent sections of the metal fabric, if desired, asshown in Fig. 6. After the pile has been wrapped and secured, a thinOutside layer of cement or mortar 22 may be applied to cover or ll inany cracks or crevices so as to prevent rusting of the metal fabric.

In the act of driving the pile, the hammer causes a vibration oftemporary compression of some kind in the core, which has a tendency toloosen the nails ,or spikes which are driven through the rst layer offabric and concrete. The result of this might be to cause the nails orspikes to work out and leave perforations throu h which sea worms orother harmful agencies Vmight penetrate uneven portion in the core.

to the core; but this is edectually prevented by the one or more layersof fabric and concrete which are outside of the nails or spikes. It iswith this end in view, that I selze or lace the outer end of the fabricto the portion immediately beneath it, rather than to drive nails orspikes'at this place, becausea single nail or spike working out would besufficient Vto permit the damage above referred to. i

The use of metal fabric in a plurality of independent lengths orsections has many important advantages. l

For purpose of illustration the plle shown in Fig. lis represented ashavingl a core with a relatively larger ,taper than those shown in Figs.2'and 5. The pile shown in Fig. 5 is represented as having a bulged orIn such instances as these two, the wrapping of the core with metalfabric in one piece would be considerably more difficult than thewrapping in a plurality of independent sections. In the case of thetapered pile shown in Fig. 1 for example, the difference in diametersofthe top and bottom of the pile is so great that the disalinement ofthe metal fabric in taking two or more turns 4about the core, would beconsiderable. By sub-dividing the metal fabric the wrapping is greatlyfacilitated, as the difference in diameters of the core at ythe top andbottom of each section of meta-l fabric is so small that thedisalinement of any one section of the pile is im? material. By thisconstruction 1 am enabled to more readily make the wrapper taper inconformity with the tapering of the core and to draw all parts of theWrapper tightly about the core, and the overlapping portions form adouble reinforcement at the joints of the wrapper.

In the pile shown in Fig. 5, the irregularity or bulge of the core 15might be a considerable hindrance to the proper wrapping of the core ifa single piece of metal fabric were employed, but by the use of asectional metal fabric, the wrapping of such an uneven core becomes asimple matter and the finished combination pile may be straighter thanthe core.

A still further advantage which theuse of a sectional metal fabricprovides, is represented in Fig. 2. It is sometimes desired to increasethe bearing surface of piling. In this form of my invention, the core 15has. a part of its wrapper shouldered, which is obtained-by taking anunequal number ,of turns with 'the metal fabric and concrete. While thewrapper illustrated in Fig. 2 is shown as having decided shoulders, anddiminishing` in diameter in steps toward the bottom, the principle maybe applied in such a. manner as to produce a taperedend with almostneglibible shoulders so as to be vir-V tually an even cone. AIn this way-I can increase the bearing surface ofthe pile in a very simple manner.Of course, if for any purpose it Were desired to.l1ave the pile largerat the bottom and. growing smaller toward the top, the same principlecould be applied. I

The piles constructed in accordance with' my invention may, of course,be provided with any of theknown devices, such as flushing pipes forsinking, conical tips at the base, connecting caps at. the top, and thelike, or the base of the combination pile may be more tapering than 'therest of it. The combination pile, however, possesses the advantages ofboth the wooden pile and the concrete pile. It is as strong andpermanent as a concrete pile, and since thewooden core usually extendsabove the wrapper it is susceptible to the usual'methods of connectionwith Athe timbering 'of docks, trestles ,and the like used in buildingwith wooden piles. A

Fig. 7 shows a girder which has a wooden core 23 Wrapped in the mannerabove described, by two or more turns of metal fabric 24, and concrete25, .with a thin outside layer of cement or mortar 26. The `reinforcingbars 27 may be embedded in the wrapper below the core to take thestress.

In Fig. 8 a beam or plank is constructed by wrapping 'a wooden core 28by two or more turns of metal fabric 29 and concrete 30 with a thinoutside layer of cement or mortar 31, and av considerable number ofreinforcing bars 32 embedded in the wrapner beneath the core.

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 illustrate the production of square combinationcolumns or piles. The wooden core 33 maybe in any number of sections asillustrated in these three iigures, and wrapped by one or more turns ofmetal fabric 34 and concrete 35,-with a thin outside layer of cement ormortar 36. Reinforcing bars 37 may be embedded inthe wrapper next tothecore if desired. Thel metal in any form adapted to this use. Thel woodencoremay be any form of wooden piling, timber, beam or plank in one pieceor otherwise, which is suitable to serve in themanner herein set forth.'Ihe concrete maybe of any desired mixture, selected to suit therequirements in each particular location or use. Silica` cement andhydraulic cement arev known to be peculiarly well adapted to use in seawater, and a concrete made of silica cement' orA hydraulic cement,

v sand and cinders, is accordingly suitable for use in piles constructedin accordance with my invention.

1. A structural member comprising -a wooden core inclosed a wrapperconsistingV overlapping sections of metal fabric and concrete.

2. A structural member comprising a` layers ofoverlapping sections ofmetal fabric and concrete, nails or spikes driven through Y ltheoverlapping and intermediate portions of the inner Ylayer of metalfabric vand the concrete into the wooden core, and means for fasteningthe outer edfge of the sections of metal fabric.

5. A ,structural member comprising a wooden core, a wrapper of aplurality of layers of metalfabric and concrete, reinforcing rodsembedded in the wrapper, nails or spikes driven through the inner layerof metal fabric and concrete into the wooden core, and means forfastening the outer edge lof the metal fabric.

6. A pile or column, comprising a Wooden core of unequal cross sectionalareas at different parts, and a suitably secured wrapper of a pluralityof layers of overlapping sections of metal fabric and concrete.

7. A pile or column, comprising a wooden core of unequal cross sectionalareas at different parts, a suitably secured ywrapper of a plurality oflayers of overlapping sections of metal fabric and concrete, andreinforcing rods embedded in the wrapper.

8. A pile or column, comprising a wooden core of unequal cross sectionalareas at different parts, a wrapper of a plurality of layers ofoverlapping sections of metal fabric and concrete, nails or spikesdriven through the overlapping and intermediate portions of the innerlayer of metal fabric and concrete into the wooden core, and means forsecuring the outer edge of the sections of metal fabric.

9. A pile or column, comprising a tapering wooden core, a wrapperof aplurality of layers of metal fabric in overlapping sections andconcrete,- and suitable means for securing the wrapper on the core.

10. A pile or column, comprising a tapering wooden core, a wrapper of aplurality o1 layers of metal fabric in overlapping sections andconcrete, nails or spikes driven througlmthe overlapping andintermediate portions of the inner layer of metal fabric and concrete,and means for securing the outer edge of the sectionsof metal fabric.

11. A pile or column,rcomprising a tapering Wooden core, a wrapper ofaplurality of layers of metal fabric in overlapping sections andconcrete, nails or spikes vdriven through the overlapping andintermediate portions of the inner layer of metal fabric and concrete,and wire seizing for securing the outer edge of the sections of metalfabric.

12. A pile or colunm, comprising a tapering wooden core, anda suitablysecured Y wrapper tapering throughout the major portion of the pilelengt-h in conformity therewith and composed of a plurality of layers ofmetal fabric and concrete. A

1.3. A pile or column, comprising a tapering 4wooden core, a wrappertapering throughout the major portion of the pile length in conformitytherewith and composed of a plurality of layers of metal fabric andconcrete', and nails or spikes -driven through the inner layer lof metalfabric and the concrete into the wooden core. l 14. A pile or column,comprising a tapering wooden core, and a suitably secured wrappertapering throughout the major portion of the pile length in conformitytherewith and' composed of a plurality of layers of overlapping sectionsof metal fabric and concrete- 15. A pile or column, comprising atapering wooden core, .a wrapper tapering throughout the major portionof the pile length in conformity therewith and composed of a pluralitv`of layers of overlapping sections of metal fabric and concrete, andnails or spikes driven through the overlapping and intermediate sectionsof the metal fabric and the concrete into the wooden core.

16. A pile o'r column, comprising a suitable' Wooden core, and asuitably secured wrapper of metal fabric in overlapping sections andconcrete, the number of layers in one section of the wrapper varyingfrom the number of layers in another section forming shoulders 17. Apile or column comprising a suitable wooden core and a suitably securedwrapper of metal fabric in overlapping sections and concrete, the numberof layers in a section of the wrapper increasing from the bottom of thepile to the mud line to form bearing shoulders for the pile.

18. A pile or column, comprising a suitable wooden core, a suitablysecured wrapper of metal fabric in overlapping sections and concrete,the number of layers in one section of the Wrapper varying from thenumber of layers in another section form- -ing shoulders, andreinforcing rods eln-l bedded in the Wrapper.

19. .A pile orcolumn, comprising a suitable Wooden core, a suitablysecured Wrapper of metal fabric in overlapping sections and concrete,the number of layers in one i "section of the Wrapper lvarying from thenumber of'layer's in another section forming shoulders, reinforcing rodsembeddedl in the Wrapper and nails or spikes driven through the innerlayer of the wrapper and into the Wooden core.

20. A pile. *or .column comprising a Wooden core, 'a" protecting orreinforcing. wrapper of a plurality of layers of metal fabric andconcrete, and nails passing through the inner layer ofthe Wrapper intothe Wooden core, all the nails which enter 'the Wooden core beingdisposediwholly beneathan outer layer of the metal fabric.

V21. A pile or column comprising a wooden core, a protecting orreinforcing Wrapper of a plurality of layers of metal fabric andconcrete continuouslyT wound thereon, nails or spikes passing throughthe inner layer of the Wrapper into the Wooden core for securing theWrapper to the core,

and wire lacing or seizing for securing theouter edge of the metalfabric to the portion beneath it, all of said nails or spikes which passinto the core being disposed Wholly beneath an outer layer of theWrapout in the act of driving the pile.

per and. prevented thereby from Working off transverse sections or zonesof metal fabric' and concrete continuously Wound 24. .A Astructuralmember comprising a wooden core, a Wrapper of a plurality of layers oftransverse sections or zones' of metal fabric and concrete, nails orspikes ydriven through the inner layer of metal vfabric and concreteinto the Wooden core,

and means for fastening the outer edge of the sections of met-al fabric.

25. A pile or column comprising a wooden core of unequal cross-sectionalareas at different parts, and a suitably secured Wrapper of a pluralityof layers of transverse sections or zones of metal fabrlc and concrete.

core of unequal cross-sectional areas at different parts, a suitablysecured Wrapper of a plurality of layers oftransve'rse sections or zonesof metal fabric and concrete thereon,

26. A pile or column comprising a Wooden and reinforcing rods embeddedin the Wrap-I per.

27. A pile or column comprising a Wooden core ofunequal cross-sectionalareas at'different parts, a wrapper of a plurality of layers oftransverse sections or zones of metal fabric and concrete, nails orspikes driven through the inner layer of metal fabric and concrete intothe Wooden core, and means for securing the outer edges of the sectionsof metal fabric.

28. A pile or column comprising` a tapering Wooden core, a ,vvrapper ofa plurality of layers of metal fabric v-in transverse sections or zonesand concrete,.and suitable means for securing the Wrapper on the core'.

29; A pile or .column comprising a tapering Wooden core, a Wrapper of aplurality of layers of metal fabric in transverse sections or zones andconcrete, nails or spikes driven through the inner layer of metal fabricand` concrete, and means for securing the outer j edges of the sectionsof metal fabric.

30. A pile or column comprisinga tapering Wooden core, a Wrapper of aplurality of layers of metal fabric in transverse sectio-ns or zones andconcrete, nails or spikes driven through the v inner layer of metalfabric and concrete and Wire seizing for securin the outer edges of thesections of metal abrio.

31. A pile or column comprising a tapering Wooden core, and a suitablysecured throughout the major portion of the pilelength in conformitytherewith and composed of a plurality of layers of transverse sectionsor zones of metal fabric and concrete, and nails or spikes driventhrough the inner layer of metal fabric and concrete into the Woodencore.

33. A pile or column comprising a suitable Wooden core and a suitablyvsecured Wrapper of metal fabric in transverse sections or zones andconcrete, the number of layers in one section of the Wrapper varyingfrom the number of layers in another section forming shoulders.

34. A pile or column comprising a suitable Wooden core and a suitablysecured Wrapper of metal fabric in transverse sections or zones andconcrete, the number of layers in the sections of the Wrapper increasingfrom the bottom of the pile to the mud line to form bearing shouldersfor the pile.

able Wooden core, a suitably secured Wrapper of metal fabric 1ntransverse sections or 35. A pile or column comprising a suitzones andconcrete, the number of layers in one section of the Wrapper varyingfrom the number of layers in another section forming shoulders, andreinforcing rods embedded in the wrapper.

36. A pile or column comprising a suit- ,able Wooden core, a suitablysecured Wrap# per of metal fabric in transverse sections or zones andconcrete, the number of layers in one section of the Wrapper varyingfrom the number of layers in another section forming shoulders,reinforcing rods embedded in the Wrapper and nails or spikes driventhrough the inner layer of the Wrapper and into the Wooden core.

37. A pile or column comprising a Wooden core, a Wrapper of metal fabricand concrete, nails or spikes driven through the inner edge of the metalfabric and into the Wooden core, said nails being disposed beneath asubsequent or outer layer of the metal fabric and concrete, and meansfor securing thel outer edge of the metal fabric to a preceding portionof the metal fabric.

38. A pile or column comprising a Wooden core, a Wrapper of metal fabricand concrete, nails or spikes driven through the inner edge ofthe metalfabric and into the Wooden core, said nails being disposed beneath asubsequent or outer layer of the metal fabric and concrete, and Wireseizing for securing the outer edge of the metal fabric to a precedingportion of the metal fabric. i

JOHN W. RIPLEY.

